cloth and mind

Free Pieced Christmas Baskets

2011-11-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

I always wonder if my friends who aren't familiar with quilting or folk art think that I don't know how to make seams match or points be pointy. I have always LOVED folk art, and when I was introduced to the free-piecing technique a few years ago, I was smitten completely. Inspired by Gwen Marston's baskets, I decided to make a Christmas version. It's got to be one of my favs for Christmas. As you can see it's just in the basting stages. I'll post more upon it's completion.

Missing, but still in action~

2011-11-27T15:17:00.001-08:00

After a very busy sabatical, is that an oxymoron~ where I learned how to make jams, pickles and hot sauces (including canning them), I am now back to sewing and quilting. Actually I have been doing lots of projects, but all the pics are currently located on a computer existing on life support. I'll try an revive my old friend long enough to transfer them this week.
For now the above will have to do. It's the result of a image posted on Pinterest, a new found inspiration factory. The quilting doesn't show up very well, but the background is filled with swirls. I enjoyed making it so much that I did another and still another is awaiting quilting... and my mother said I had attention problems. Truthfully I can become quite fixated when something simple and quick works well :)

2011-05-06T03:23:00.000-07:00

Some of you might be wondering where I have been. I mean certainly willy Wonka is over, shouldn't she be sewing by now? Sadly in the late night hours of April 27th tornadoes ripped thru the deep south killing hundreds. My small town of Cartersville was hit by 2 of those beasts, an F-4 and an F-5. We suffered no loss of life but 400 homes were damages and 50 were totally destroyed, a church that has stood since 1880 has nothing left but 1 stain glass window unbroken laying on its side and it's front steps and I can't count the number of trees. Our church was untouched and so very early the next morning we began a relief effort that has become more than we could imagine.

Working every day all day we have organized food and water crews to go door to door, crews of people with everything from chain saws to cranes to pull trees and debris away from peoples homes or what once was their home. We also opened up our newly completed family building (which when planned someone came up with the idea to build it so it could be used as a shelter and a disaster relief station... that was 2 years ago.

The work is hard, and the stories are heartbreaking, but our small community has really pulled together for these hurting families. Different churches, different denominations- people who don't trust church at all, banning together to make a difference. I don't know when I'll get back to sewing, but would appreciate your prayers and thoughts for our community.

It's Raining...not men but babies!

2011-04-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

So behind, but a storm of babies won't wait. Olivia Grace, this quilts new owner was born a few weeks ago and will be dedicated this Sunday. In our world, that means that our Pastor literally introduces the baby to all the people attending in that service~ one by one. So far his record holds that no baby has cried. Anyway, the quilt was fun to make, designed it myself and might do it differently next time, but heavily quilted it's gonna be soooooo soft.

Buried in Chocolate

2011-03-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

So I have been MIA at least for a couple of weeks. Our local high school was putting on a rather large musical (cast of almost 100 including Oompa Loompas) when they had a problem within the cast. At the last minute, a few days before their first show I was called in to play the role of Violet Beauregarde's mother (the gum chewer). I have done some acting before, but no singing or dancing in a long time. Tomorrow is our last performance, we've been sold out each night. I will miss the students but will be glad to get back to sewing!

Bye Bye Commi Cat

2011-02-22T11:20:00.001-08:00

Thank you for all your kind words and prayers for my Commi Cat. Sadly Commi's condition never improved. Pain became a part of his daily exsistence and not being able to enjoy even the simplist pleasures, like wrapping up in a warm quilt~ we decided to end his pain and his life.

He did get to do some of his favorite things this morning; good snacks, snuggling in the "big" bed and when it came time for him to go he went wrapped in a quilt I made that only he appreciated. Good friends are hard to find, but ones who greet you with warmth even on the worst of days, ones who wait patiently until you are done with appointed tasks knowing that cuddling awaits are more precious than any amount of money. I can't see myself ever having such an enthusiastic helper in my love of quilting, but I do have the memories of blocks rearranged, spools of thread chased and quiet naps taken together under the quilts we made.

Project Papoose continues

2011-02-18T10:49:00.001-08:00

The babies keep comin' and so must the quilts. This newest top is made from 30s Repro fabrics that my sister gifted me @ Christmas. I'm not so much a collector of reproduction fabrics, but Aunt Gracie and others similar to that line are just so happy looking that I can't resist them. Still deciding on whether this needs a border or not. My natural tendency would be to put a border and then applique "gracie" flowers and vines, but short of telling these mommas to cross their legs and hold off the impending I don't see that happening. As it is the top thus far is approx. 42x42. When border decisions are made simple grid quilting will probably follow.

What's in the water?

2011-02-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

Not sure, but within the next 2 months we will have 5 babies born to our church family. We are expecting 3 girls and 1 boy~ the 5th will be a surprise. So far I have 2 complete and am cutting the 3rd. Quilting will have to happen sometime. Needless to say I have been quite busy, in between diapering Commi and working on various cooking and sewing projects. Commi has shown no improvement, despite meds and various treatments. We still have not been able to bring ourselves to the place where we let him go, he has been and continues to be the most loving pet we have ever known.

Tisket-a-Tasket

2011-01-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all the prayers for Commi, my beloved paralyzed blue russian cat (I know but what else would you name a soviet feline?). We have gone back to the steriod treatment, and although it will eventually cause damage to his kidneys with prolonged use, his pain is much diminished and I am coming to grips with the care required. His attitude has returned along with a spoiled demandingness that comes with having humans tote and fetch for you for extended periods of time. How we ended up being the home for "special needs" felines (Izzy my female blue russian has only 3 legs), I don't know.

On the quilting front, this past week we were hit with what I refer to as "Snowmegedon" here in Atlanta. 6 inches of snow plus ice will shut this place down. During commi's naps, I was able to finish the borders for this long suffering project. When something turns out less than stellar we term it primitive and feel fine to have the cats and humans alike use and abuse said quilt. Baskets sort of fits in this category. Wanted to free piece the word, but didn't really have a light plaid that would work, so fusable applique won the day. Oh well.

No projects, just sad news

2011-01-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

Commi has always been my greatest quilt fan and an expert fabric weight, has become paralyzed. The cause is unknown but a tumor on his spinal cord is suspected. It has happened gradually, until now most of my time is spent diapering, bathing and cradling one of the best friends I have ever had. We're not sure when the time might come to let him go, but until then not much in the way of sewing will be done. At least today the sun is shining and he has found a comfortable position in his basket and he can enjoy a good nap.

A Mug Rug Hug

2010-12-09T06:25:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago I asked my friends on FB who drank warm beverages, coffee, cocoa, cider, tea etc. I had never had so many comments on one post. Starting to wonder if they knew I was doing a little Christmas recon work. These mug rugs are slated for gift-giving this year, along with a mug and some of my snowflake cookies. I saw a finished one somewhere, can't remember where, and just fiddled until I got it graphed out right (hence I have 4 different sizes). Anyway, back to binding~ I think there are still 12 more to go...

Chips and Salsa?

2010-11-14T17:50:00.000-08:00

This year I have decided that table runners are more veratile than full on quilts for Christmas presents , not to mention they take a fraction of the time :). I bought this bold bright stripe fabric on sale and could see the possibility of making tile-look squares. The result looked like mexican tile. Although the stripe was not designed or printed in a way that made the individual motifs equa-distant, the block still look ok. Good enough to house a big bowl of chips and salsa not to mention a plate of tacos.

Let It Snow!

2010-11-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

Saw this pattern in a magazine while I was waiting in line to get fabric cut and thought it was cute, added some quilting etc. The center is chenile so it's really cuddly.

It's good to be the guy...

2010-08-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

While waiting to find Disney Princess fabric for my two favorite tiara wearing college girls, I thought I would work on something for a little guy whose parents have really made an impression on me. I don't even know their names, or his for that matter, but each Sunday I see them in the hall watching our church service on monitors.

Now some may argue with their choice of not letting their under 1 year old little boy go to the nursery, but I remember not wanting to miss a baby minute with my now 18 year old, and I truly admire their commitment to not only be with their son, but to be there every Sunday even if it's just sitting in the hall. I have often kidded them about how their little guy is going to have it made in a few years- we've had no less than 12 little girls born or come to the church in the last 2 years. I plan to give them this quilt with the tag... "It's good to be the guy!"

folk art finish

2010-07-13T10:26:00.001-07:00

I like the colors, just wished I would have hand appliqued the thing- of course it wouldn't be done now would it? I sort of re-worked the pattern, from Piece O' Cake and made up the border. Looking forward to feeling better so I can do some bigger pieces again. Never realized how good echo quilting feels on a finished quilt- quite different than stippling etc.

2010-07-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I treated myself to Piece 'O Cakes new book. I have always liked their applique work, but it also seemed very complicated. This book was more folkart inspired and it's applique more simple. This is center block will be surrounded by a leaf and circle applique design with a continuation of the red piecing. When done it should make it's way to a friend who has really been devoting herself to running a local food pantry- the colors remind me of her- extremely cheery :)

So this is taking time off...

2010-05-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I injured my shoulder, and hubby said I had to take 6 months off from quilting- WHAT? So I sort of compromised and said no gaming on the computer and no "quilting". I believe a small amount of piecing is fine :)

Still in love with bright colors on white, fresh and clean looking. Have a couple of babies coming to our church family and I can imagine wrapping a sweet little girl up in it.

2010-04-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

As I have mentioned before, I love quilts from the 30s and 40s that used white muslin as a background for happy colors. The combination doesn't really go in my primitive log home, so most of these become gifts- especially for new babies. These are the blocks for my newest project, although I think I'm gonna use them as a border for a simple checker-board of tourqoise with a red border. I believe it'll make a nice cuddle quilt for the next sweet baby girl that comes along.

Why do we wear black to funerals?

2010-04-23T04:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Emily's funeral and I really don't want to wear black. It's not because everything I have that's black is really too small, except what I wore to the funeral home yesterday; sad but true. It's spring, can't I wear pink? Emily liked pink. She liked pink and balloons and tiaras, although wearing a tiara really isn't my style, I'm quite sure a 5 year old would hardily approve of me dawning a rhinestone crown in her honor. Black is what people expect, so black is what I'll wear. I guess it really doesn't matter and it seems pretty self-absorbed to be thinking about clothes when someone's little girl is gone. But if I think about Emily too much, it's hard to function, so wardrobe seems safe.
Emily was 5 years old and had cancer that spread throughout her whole body. I never had the pleasure of meeting her. All I did was make a quilt to help raise money for her family. But circumstances being what they are and quiltmakers being who we are- you get attached to those you create for. Everyday I would stitch and pray for her and her family. I got to know members of her family, some in person some just through e-mails. In an odd turn of events, Emily's brother was able to bring the quilt home to his sister. Two days later she passed away sleeping under that quilt of pink flowers. Her services will be held in the church where I volunteer and I guess it would be appropriate for me to wear black... but I do have a wonderful pink jacket that might be nice.

2010-04-18T04:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes things end up as they should be. Emily's benefit was a huge success. Emily's Garden was put in the $5 raffle along with 3 vacations in Gatlinburg. Emily's brother Austin bought a ticket and won one of the vacations. He then approached the person who won the quilt and asked if they would be willing to trade the quilt so he could bring it to his mother and sister who had to be at home.

2010-04-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

Emily's Garden is in the quilting stage. This is the largest quilt I've done in a few years, and the first large one on my new machine (which is performing wonderfully!). Emily, the 5 year old girl with brain cancer for who's benefit this quilt is made and will be raffled off in little more than a week, is home now and doing better than expected. Her cancer is still terminal, but bringing her home from the hospital so she could be with her family for the time she has left, seems to have been the right decision. Please continue to pray for her and her family.

Emily Update

2010-03-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

So many of you have been supportive of my project for Emily, I thought you might want to know. Sadly Emily's cancer is now in her spine and diagnosed as incurable. Her family has taken her off her ventilator and meds to make her more comfortable and alert, giving her the chance to be more there for the time she has left.
We are still going ahead with the benefit and I am still stitching away on the quilt. Please pray for Emily and her family, she had only one chemo treatment left and they had such high hopes. Remember, God has given each of us only a certain number of days- touch the lives of others in whatever time you have, just like Emily has.

2010-03-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here's the progress on Emilys Garden, a quilt to be raffled off at a benefit for Emily Young, a 5 year old girl with brain cancer. Had to re-calculate and now need 25 applique blocks. YIKES!

2010-03-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

Emily's Garden is well under way. Emily is a 5 year girl with brain cancer. We were priviledged as a church to be able to pray over Emily and her family in mid Feb. A few days later, I learned of a benefit being held for Emily. They were in need of items to be auctioned. My mother died of a brain tumor when I was 12, and so I really wanted to do something to help her and her family. I asked if they would be interested in auctioning a quilt, and they said, "Sure". I struggled with what pattern to do. I have admired the work that Victoria at Bumble Beans has done in the area of charity quilts and in surfing her BLOG one day, I came across this simple applique pattern that she created for her Sis Boom Pow project. She was wonderful about me adapting the pattern for Emily's Garden. I was planning on doing 9 app. blocks alternating with a scrap double 4-patch variation, but these blocks are so much fun that I could see it growing. Go here to learn more about emily

My Chains Are Gone

2010-02-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

Finished my Liberated Amish Quilt. Tonya, who's new website is now up and running, presented us with challenge to take inspiration from an amish quilt and liberate it, through color, design, layout- whatever you wanted. The main idea was to sort of cast aside your rulers and other exacting devices and free-piece. We were also to add free-pieced letters to the front. My inspiration was an unamed pattern that resembled chains to me, hence the title. As I tried to break-down the pattern, I realized it was a simple Rail Fence. I was amazed at the creativity it took to create this tessalating pattern and how modern and graphic it appeared despite the fact that the maker had no books, internet or quilt guild in which to take inspiration. The back has an example of what I would piece modern day...

Thanks Tonya, it was great fun!

Benefit Auction Questions

2010-02-24T11:44:00.000-08:00

I have volunteered to donate a quilt for auction, to help raise funds for a 5 year old girl with brain cancer. I don't have lots of time, so I need to make the pattern simple. Any ideas? Should I do it kid-like or use nuetral colors? Probably needs to be lap sized at least, right? Didn't have this problem with the raffle quilt I did, but an action is different as you've got to make people want to spend the $$$$ instead of just buying a ticket.

As you can see, Izzy has trouble waiting for a quilt to actually be quilted before it becomes her own personal place of rest.

Pillow-paloosa or cheap is a choice

2010-02-18T10:16:00.000-08:00

Among our friends, my husband and I are known as "cheap". Not frugal, not smart shoppers, not any other ufamism that would save our feelings or make us feel better about our spending. No - I guess no other word truly describes our choice to owe less and to not participate in the credit card buy now pay later mentality that seems to be the norm. We are cheap. We have a vehicle that runs on waste vegtable oil, a woodstove to heat our home using the dead wood that our property so eagarly provides us. We are debt-free with the exception of our home that will be paid off in 7 years. We repair instead of re-purchase and make due instead of buy new. We are cheap.

The latest installment in the ongoing saga of our "if you don't need it don't buy it, and if you need it, think again" deals with pillows. Not sure if you have noticed or not, but pillow forms have become quite expensive. I'm not talking about the down-filled organic materials high-end stuff. I'm talking about the normal poly filled cheap-o variety. The type that become cushions that are just as likely to become non-bruising weapons in an all-out pillow fight as to a decorative object to be admired. I became very frustrated when even at 1/2 price the cheapest pillow forms I could find were nearing the $5 mark. Then, during a trip to Wal-Mart, the place of many miracles, I passed by a huge stack of sleeping pillows. $2.50 each! OK, so they were 20 in. by 26 in., but with a snip here and a de-stuff there (oh that lessening my girth was so easy) and a quick run through the sewing machine, I ended up with a pillow and a half for less than $3.

I admit it's a little messy and not as quickly satisfying as just inserting a form right out of the pkg, but as I said before, we are cheap. So let the pillow gift giving begin... it's a pillow-paloosa!

Quilt Inspectors run amok!

2010-02-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

I have two fabulous cats, who appreciate quilts just about as much as I do. Commi (what else would you call a Blue Russian) is very discriminating and has to give not only the front of the quilt a thorough going over, but the back must past inspection as well. Izzy is very camera shy, but will make an exception for a chin scratch. These are very valueable since Izzy is missing a back leg. Both were Blue Russian rescue cats and are the real rulers of our home. The quilt pictured still has to be bound before it makes it's way as a house warming gift.

New Baby

2010-02-04T03:21:00.000-08:00

OK so there was now pink or blue stork sitting on my front lawn when my husband brought home my suprise, but that hasn't stopped me from taking pictures and ohhh-ing and ahhhh-ing at it's every little movement. No 50,000 stiches like my sister's Bernina, but that's not what I wanted. It sews straight, it sews fast (1,500 stitches per minute) and it quilts like it was made for it (which it was). Anyway the new baby has been sewing up a storm.

Whole Lotta Love~Love Hurts

2010-01-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

How many of you remember Nazareth's hit song Love Hurts? Well the result of my Vikings swan song quilting performance may just have a new title. After performing spendidly for 23 years, piecing, quilting and finishing many a quilt, the Viking is being retired and replaced by my new Baby Lock quilting machine. I thought I would let the old girl finish one last quilt, but somehow we know when we are being demoted. She had some trouble with tension before, but we were always able to work through it, but this time the outcome was heartbreaking. The quilting of my love quilt was going fine, and then in mid-stitch, something happened, although I didn't know it until I turned the 1/2 quilted quilt over while changing a bobbin and realized it. To make matters worse, my temper got the best of me and after adjusting tension etc. I kept sewing on the already ruined quilt (the stitches were so tight, removal was impossible). I mean how much worse could it be, at least the front would be presentable and worthy of a table top and the spillage of spaghetti and other food items wouldn't send me into fits. Without paying attention I proceeded to quilt opposite of where I had been~instead of quilting swirls into the background like I had previously, I quilted the inside the last x's and o's...so sad. Love Hurts and so did the finishing of this quilt now relagated to a cat cozy.

I love creative people...

2010-01-15T08:45:00.001-08:00

but in a small rural town, many artsies keep on the down-low. Some don't realize that what they do is inspiring, others have not been encouraged so they hide. Often times I miss being in the company of these odd characters who "make stuff" so I have to go looking for them. When I first discovered blogging as a way to share what I was creating, I came across what I think of as going on a "creative drive" through my computer. I have always liked taking drives to look at houses, old buildings and unique shops, and my creative driving is similar in that I can go anywhere (as long as my fuel holds out) and I can see amazing things that people have created, all from the safety of an enclosed space. Did I mention that people sort of make me nervous, and the idea of someone asking me what the heck I'm doing looking at them or their work scares the crap out 0f me?
Anyway, I recommend you try it, of course it's likely something you already do, but in case here are the keys to an enjoyable trip: Go to a creative blog you enjoy, then look at what they enjoy and visit those blogs, then see what they enjoy and go visit them and so on. Hint: leave a trail of bread crumbs, many is the time I have wanted to make a return trip and can't find my way. I also keep my "add a blog" page up so in case I find a location I want to visit often, I can add it to my page and go there anytime without getting out the GPS.
I can't tell you the number of artists I have been inspired by and how generous they are. So fill up your tank with a snack or a pleasing beverage or as in my case both; and go and check out what's out there. It's a great BIG creative world!

progress

2010-01-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

Not sure if I'm done or not. Will throw some x's and o's on the back if I am. This one will have to sit and age a few days before I decide. Suggestions are more than welcome. I do have to say that Led Zepplin playing in your head does help in the whole liberated wonky free-piecing letter creation process.

Whole Lotta Love

2010-01-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

A few months back my son Matt (18) came into the livingroom and told me about a great female vocalist he heard, but didn't catch her name, just the lyrics of the song. After much deciphering we figured out he was talking about Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac. I love that my son and I share the same taste in music, Rolling Stones, The Doors, Boston, Pat Benatar, Queen, Eric Clapton and of course Led Zepplin. After looking at a test block for my newest quilting project and the pile of 20-30 solids in shades of burgundy to baby pink, I sighed..."that's a whole lotta love..." Hence it's title a'la Zepplin.

Same Ol' Song

2010-01-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

For years I have done scrap quilts using my favorite

fabric, homespun. I live in a rustic log cabin so those

quilts are right at home. Over the last 6 months or

so, I have been playing with very bright and clear

colored fabrics. I've been enjoying the vibrant

colors especially paired with a crisp white. But as

New Years rolled around, I decided to

make my first quilt of 2010 in my old style.

This is from the book Bird's Nest and just a

sampling of the large quilt I want to do. Not

totally happy with the contrast, the background

fabric should have been darker, learn on the

small projects, not on the full size ones!

Yes, it has been forever...

2009-12-18T07:19:00.000-08:00

Finally got the explanation of why I have been deep in the lumps, not to be confused with the dumps. Mono... such a lovely gift for the holiday season.

So little is done, inc. no tree this year and very few presents, baking and stitching, have been finished. ~sigh~ Pic above is the one gift I must complete. My SIL/BIL quilt. They are too hip for me, so I just went with simple geometrics and will hope for the best. It is warm, so at least it can make a nice bed for their cat if nothing else.

Now for the good news portion of our program, the As For Me And My House Quilt Raffle went really well and in the end 150 Afghan orphans got blankets to keep them warm, plush heating coal and flour. God is really good!

As For Me And My House Raffle Quilt

2009-10-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

Been so busy, haven't had anytime to work on quilts except this project...

I have a friend who ministers to women and children in Afghanistan. After talking on evening about the plight of orphans there in winter I was led to try to raise some funds to purchase shoes, clothes and blankets for these little ones.

Have only done this 2 other times for schools, so here's hoping an praying that people are prompted to buy tickets. Still gotta quilt it...

Thanks Tonya for your tuts and encouragement!

cool quilts

2009-07-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

In the mid 80's I lived in a small town in FLA. They had an incredible antiques market that I would visit often called Rennigers. There I was introduced to what I call "cool quilts". These quits from the 20s, 30s & 40s were mostly scrap quilts with muslin backs and backgrounds. Because of the generation of the quilts, my guess is that they had manufactured cotton batts. Not sure if it was the fabrics, the backings, battings or a combination of all 3 but these quilts were cool to the touch, even in the hottest of summers. I was able to rescue several of these quilts from the "quilt farmers" (contemptable people who would cut up perfectly good works of art in favor of creating pigs and chickens out of the material. I hope when I get old and worn, no one cuts me up for parts). I also inherited a small collection from my husbands grandmothers, both quilters.
I have begun making my own "cool quilts". With the inspiration of wonderful blog A Quilt Is Nice here.

I WON!

2009-07-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

SEWN is a new website, with great info, terrific interviews and amazing giveaways. I haven't been one to enter giveaways, but with the prize being new hand piecing papers, I couldn't resist. Suprise suprise, I won. Can't wait until they get here.

Quilting a large quilt is like...

2009-07-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

Trying to get my fat behind into a size 10 pair of jeans!

There's lots of pushin', pullin', sweatin', and gruntin'! Hopefully this will be done by tomorrow since the beautiful baby girl it's for is already 8 months old. YIKES!

Quilt Quality Inspectors and Love's Fresh Lemon

2009-07-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

It has been a rough 2 weeks, but I did finish Love's Fresh Lemon, for a new baby girl at church. I asked for Izzy's opinion. As you can see she is very discriminating and hard to please. Commi felt he needed to be a part of the process. He is an expert on binding and all things wiggly. Izzy did not appreciate his imput or his comments, especially those concerning her very attractive and irresistable tail. It is apparent that they are still working out their relationship as Quilt Quality Inspectors and roomates in general.

Karen's quilt

2009-07-04T06:14:00.000-07:00

Over the last several years, I've been trying to get my sister to quilt. Despite great artistic abilities, she lacks confidence and has a nasty habit of wanting everything to be just right. We live in diferent states, so my encouragement has had to be via phone and e-mail. Occasionaly we have a "class" when we are together. Every attempt to get her to relax and draw her into my quilt world has failed. Then comes my brother-in-law to the rescue, like a white knight entering to save the princess, he charges in bearing not a lance and trusty steed, but a top-of-the-line Bernina, classes at the local quilt shop and lots of "Go baby go!". Yes, he truly is a prince! She now has several tops under her belt, her latest pictured above, and yes she machine appliqued the letters- got to love a Bernina. She is still working on that machine quilting thing. But she is gaining more confidence and truly enjoying her new artistic outlet! Of course now I have to find something else to replace the years of quilt presents...hmmm fabric!

Love's Fresh Lemon

2009-06-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

Here's the first few blocks. Really easy to sew... cutting is a minefield for those of us who are directionally challenged and cut out things in right-side-together pairs. I believe I have enough segments to make a duplicate quilt of reverse blocks :)

2009-06-23T06:06:00.000-07:00

So here's the update:

Air in my car is fixed, YEA! My hubby is so brilliant. The air in the house is much better. After crawling under our house (a really unpleasant job) Jim found out that a gizmo was stuck and we were heating and cooling at the same time. Said wonderful husband unstuck gizmo and now we have air!

I have also been coveting my sister's new Bernina (she has a fab. hubby as well who purchased this BMW of sewing machines for her as a surprise). Coveting is not good, so I resurrected an old class machine that I had, small and portable not fancy. The great thing is that it fits right in a space that puts my feet right next to the floor register, me under the ceiling fan, and my body facing a window unit that we have in the loft for cooling. A primo spot!

Now I have started sewing again on a new project. I'm not really a "yellow" person, but I felt like stretching and found a great mod lemon fabric by Alexander Henery. I had some stray yellows, so I started sewing this Whiligig pattern I saw on Nettie's site (she has become a great inspiration). After laying out all the fabrics and savoring that lemon fab, I was taken back to the 70s when my older sister wore something called Love's Fresh Lemon. Usually I would make it for her, but since she got her new machine and some color confidence, she's been sewing quilts of her own. I'll post some pics when I get the camera this afternoon.

on-line classes & inspiration a cure for being broke

2009-06-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

Currently we are without air in 2 out of 3 vehicles, the air in our home is barely functioning, but on the bright side we can cool off in the shower since our water heater is out of order as well. All that to say that new fabric, quilt classes, the purchase of a new gadget or book is out of the question. But in this summer of broke, I have still managed to feel creative through the inspiration and instruction I have found on-line.

My first class was in free form piecing with Tonia, the result was wonky houses.

I continued to experiment with Live, Learn and Love which created lots of scraps. Not being able to purchase anything new and wanting to use up these pieces, I came upon my next piece of inspiration from Nettie. the result is "Think Pink" a Commi fav (see pic), it sets off his steely coat so nicely! In my daily surfing I came upon an amazing site, which set me on my next journey and learning experience. Sue Spargo is one of the most talented fiber folk artist I have seen in a long time. Armed only with a few pieces of old wool scraps I had accumulated 15 years ago, I decided to try my hand at dying wool. I had no $ for expensive dyes, but I did have paste food coloring, left-over from many a christmas cookie and cake decorating adventure. My hubby also had a gallon jug of vineager (we never did figure out why he had that). So if it's good enough for eggs, it's good enough for old wool skirts, right? Pictured above is the result of my dying adventure and the lop-side wool needle keeper that I did.

Two of my friends were leaving on summer trips this weekend, so to send them off in style I made a "free" gift. They were thrilled, well the one who grabbed the blue batik wallet was... the other friend gladly took the leftover pink and aqua. The tutorial is easy to create the wallet. It has sections for credit cards, cash, checkbook and extras. This one is a must for Christmas presents this year!

I guess the point is, yes it's a hot summer and I have been coveting many of the fabrics I see on the various sites I visit, but it's been a summer where I can learn how much I do have and how far inspiration and creativity can take you. Besides I can sew in front of the open refrigerator door if I have to.

quilt appreciation-real men like pink

2009-06-05T04:21:00.000-07:00

Izzy my new kitty is starting to adjust. We have discovered she has a flea allergy and we are battling that, such a miserable thing! We have to go to the vet, but meantime we are using combing, which as you can tell, she finds very relaxing, or maybe it's the quilt?

We are in the midst of a new project, using pink scraps and I have never seen Commi so excited about a project, real men do like pink! Will post when done, or mostly done.

live, learn and love

2009-06-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

This may a bit long, so consider yourselves forwarned...

A few months ago, some dear friends started the process of adopting 2 beautiful children a little girl 5 months and a boy 2.5 years. As you can imagine, as never-before parents, they were quite over-whelmed. At church we planned a baby shower, and I started a baby quilt for my "little teacup" (her ears dip in and look like delicate teacup handles). I thought hearts would be a good theme and began appliqueing many shades of pink. After finishing the applique I began to plan the border only to find out by accident that the new momma was not "a pink person"- *sigh*. I put the body of the quilt to the side and made another really pretty quilt with lots of bright pastels and more yellow. Everyone loved the quilt and I called it a success, but what to do with the hearts?

In steps Tonya with all her wonkiness, and I thought it might be a good learning experience to try words on the borders of this quilt before actually working on something meant for someone. I began all wrong and and gave up several times, including just letting sit on my studio floor as a cat amusement...Commi was the only one who appreciated my effort. Then I saw Clare's Licorice Lane. She had a mishap in the cutting process and cut a portion of her quilt. Did she dispair? Well maybe a little, but she finished it and it's great. So I gave Commi another pile of fabric to scoot on and finished Live, Learn & Love. Well the top at least. I wish the hearts were wonky and that I had known to do the components individually instead of doing each word (amazing what happens when you read the instruction), and then trying to make it work...but live, learn and love.

RATTLE and WARM ready for snail-mail

2009-05-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

still getting the hand of the letter thing. no matter what i intend the words end up bigger than planned. hmmmm pratice practice practice

my son stole my Mother's Day cat!

2009-05-31T12:43:00.001-07:00

She was supposed to be my belated Mother's Day present (I got a new potty on Mother's Day, not a good present). A beautiful Russian Blue, just like Commi (Jim's cat) for me. Her name is Izzy, a rescue cat with 3 legs, and is kind of compact like me...but who does she choose to love and bond with? My rotten 17 year old man-child who insists on calling her Tri-Pod. She does love fabric though, so maybe there's hope for a somewhat meaningful relationship when he goes away to college.
Kitty Update:
Matt still calling her Tri-pod, but he's sleeping through most of the summer so I'll have more time to make her name stick and Tri-Pod will disappear. Commi has been trying to introduce himself, but she is very shy, playing hard to get. But they did spend a 1/2 hour together in the bay window watching birds. Funny Commi hasn't been in the bay window for months now. Amazing how a new friend can make the same ole' thing look brand new.

connecting threads

2009-05-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

My wonderful husband and I were discussing the value of Facebook and other networking sites. First let me say that my husband is a very simple guy, straight forward, believing that everything must have a very specific purpose (which makes understanding my wish to just "have" a beautiful fabric nearly impossible). The idea of a virtual social network where you can learn and discover things through someone named LazyGal, for instance, just doesn't make since to him.
I tried to explain how I had been able to see the quilting artistry of people from all over the globe from my computer screen simply by following the trail left by other quilters. My set of links for these quilters are a creative life-line for me, a chance to see what others are creating without stepping foot in a quilt shop or buying a single quilt magazine... which is absolutely necessary since I can't spend money right now. I think that part got my husband's attention the most.
I am really greatful for this daily quilt show that comes into my home each day. I'm thankful for kitty updates from Tonya, for amazing images from France on wordless Wednesday, for a taste of delicious batiks courtesy of Wanda. I am inspired, encouraged, challenged and amazed by all those gracious enough to share their talent and the art that it makes possible.
Thank you so much!

for better or worse it's done

2009-05-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

I took these outside at the church, only to realize that freshly mown grass sticks as well as that inch coat of yellow pixie dust we in the deep south refer to as pollen.

golly-be! I used to like doing binding

2009-05-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

I am finishing the binding on my little country spider web quit and I am so disappointed in the finishing. I have never done a binding with inverted points before. Got the whole 60 degree corners fine, but those insides are murder. Will post pics later.

taking a break with some hand piecing

2009-05-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

I'm a little wonkied out, and needed some structure. Besides, I have been under the weather, so I have been doing some hand-piecing. It's a little odd that I find hand quilting painfully slow, yet I find hand piecing sort of relaxing (in small amounts).
These are some blocks I did from a pattern I saw called "Wee Spin". The strips are 2.5 inch, so it's perfect to do with jelly rolls. It's a strip piecing project that uses a 60 degree ruler to cut out the wedges. Very easy, especially when you consider that there are really no points to match, as long as your blocks are the same size.

so nice

2009-05-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

I have been so overwhelmed by all of the kind people who have posted...just wanted to say "thank you" and take the opportunity to post another Commi pic. He is rather camera-shy, and would rather be loved in person. He slid into the spare bedroom where I sometimes lay-out my "to be quilted soon" projects. Apparently he approves of this newest baby quilt. Here's hoping it gets finished before the little girl is in pre-K.

quilt history

2009-05-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

Christmas 1998

made for my son who would rather sleep with a cheap asian made quilt 2004

old, old, old still cross-stitching that's how old maybe 1993

one of my favorites...hand-pieced, but got lazy and machine quilted it...everyone say "arghhh" 2002

not sure how I got the border to come out right back in those days 1992

Someone asked me to post images of my quilts in my log cabin...does lack of house cleaning equal rustic charm? Except for the Christmas one, all of them came out of my head, a scary place to be but not a bad place to visit. Sorry they are old quilts, my newer ones have all been given away. My mother-in-law has many, probably 15 or so. If she wasn't so wonderful I'd have her give them back. lol

subdivision looking for an "entrance sign"

2009-05-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

OK, so the body of my neighborhood is done. It's amazing that everytime I went upstairs (I live in a log cabin and sew in my loft) I would say, "just two more houses." It's almost complete, which is good since I get bored easily. I need some ideas on what to put around the outside border. I want wonky words, but each thing I think of doesn't seem to fit.
I was thinking of giving the quilt to a kindly man in his 70s who is the contractor on the new church addition we are building (I volunteerf ull-time as a media specialist and creative arts person for our church). He has been so wonderful about all the delays, just last week we threatened to bring shovels ourselves and start digging for the foundation. Anyway, I want to do something nice for him and the "construction" of houses I would build seemed perfect. Trouble is, it doesn't really look like a "guy" quilt...maybe I should just finish and keep this one and do another that's a little more masquline for him. What do you think? And what words do I put on the border?

lesson #1 in scrap quiltmaking

2009-05-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

Making a scrap quilt is like throwing a large party, the more colorful participants you include in the whoop-de-doo, the less you have to worry about who's sitting next to who and the more time you can spend having a good time at the event.

playing with new friends

2009-05-03T16:29:00.001-07:00

How many of us remember meeting someone new and joining in on their fun in progress? For me it was nearly impossible and made me a loner. I am no different today. But we all have to grow and change, even at 45...YIKES did I say that?

I have joined in with some ladies in a free-piecing challenge, no rulers, measuring, templates or special cuts. Just a pair of scissors and whack and stitch. The project is the sounds of Halloween, my sound "rattle". Here's the finished block, ready for the lead person to form into a quilt...ho-pefully, not sure if it's good enough. Remember there was no measuring, no applique, just guess and go.

Wonky houses

2009-05-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

Like most quilters, my creations have changed over the years (remember when a 7 fabric log cabin was a stretch in imagination?), but I have recently been challenged to set aside my rulers and try a new free-form style of quilting...here are the results, along with a look at my "old" neighborhood.

more than a place for my cat to lay

2009-05-02T12:56:00.001-07:00

there are some days when I believe tht no one enjoys the quilts I have made more than Commi, my fabulous Russian Blue feline, with what my son believes are marxist tendencies. Spread out blocks, fabric or a near finished piece of work and he is right there to investigate. I would like to think that he is appreciating the color, pattern and countless hours of decision making that goes into each quilt, but the truth is, it's just a comfortable place to grab some attention and some zzz's.